The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-14, but the process might have been more important than the outcome. Both sides sat key players and turned it over to younger players who were either getting their first taste of NFL action or fighting for a roster spot.

The Eagles have a number of players who are trying to fight through the noise to secure a roster spot or move into a contributing role. Thursday night was the first step. Some helped their causes. Others didn't.

Here are eight who impressed or who might be distressed after the preseason opener.

Impressed: RB Josh Adams

The undrafted free agent was productive during his career at Notre Dame, and he showed how Thursday night. Adams, who attended Central Bucks South in the Philly suburbs, led the Eagles with six carries for 30 yards. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Adams is one of the largest backs on the Philadelphia roster, and he's a load to bring down. He had a 15-yard carry where he showed off some burst, and he also had a 10-yard pass reception. Adams is competing for the No. 4 running back spot with Wendell Smallwood, Donnel Pumphrey and Matt Jones. Pumphrey and Jones didn't play. It'll be interesting to see how Adams' reps shake out in practice this weekend.

Impressed: WR Shelton Gibson

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

The Eagles drafted Gibson to be a vertical threat deep, but he rarely got on the field during his rookie season and didn't produce when he was there. Late in the second quarter, Gibson finally broke through. He got loose up the right sideline, and quarterback Nate Sudfeld dropped a perfect deep ball into his arms for a 63-yard touchdown. He also had a 14-yard touchdown catch. Gibson missed some time during training camp with a concussion, and he's trying to secure one of the wide receiver spots lower on the depth chart. He's off to a good start.

Distressed: OL Isaac Seumalo

It's become a familiar sight during training camp and now into the preseason: Seumalo launching a snap over the head of his quarterback. This time, it was in the second half with backup Joe Callahan in the game. The Eagles are working Seumalo hard at center, but the third-year pro is struggling. He could be a key reserve piece on the offensive line -- he was starting experience, can play guard and contributes in jumbo sets -- but he needs to master snapping first. It hasn't quite clicked yet.